A systematic paradigm for the (mental) health profession

Abstract:

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care
professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical
fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the
diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea
that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and
visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood
holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of
health.
The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the
connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs
and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we
choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that
we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event,
sometimes more than the actual event itself.
It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body
(physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing.
The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental
health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude.
Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately
interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their
scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the
biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more
comprehensive picture of health and illness.
The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an
awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in
understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The
scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts,
perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry,
which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune
system functioning.
The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also
detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer
within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in
"our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ...
Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1
through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power
of this inner healer."
The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically.
The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to
maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South
African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody
medicine and psychoneuroimmunology.
This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic
mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social
work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area
in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis
increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in
social work theory and practice."
Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately
connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts
are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly).
Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning
systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is
pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar
ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment
of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body
connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial
arcs of a holistic health care system.
Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all
the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to
understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind
body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as
found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to
cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences.
This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be
involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development
of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It
is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a
pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher
debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in
the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known
as Health Care Social Workers.
This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for
both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will
naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated.
The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their
therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the
literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from
the first chapter.

Citation:Wolpert, Adrienne (Adi) (2009) A systematic paradigm for the (mental) health profession, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1688>

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